Parasites such as S. mansoni (pictured) can affect the function of certain white blood cells, resulting in health benefits for the host.
Scott Camazin/Alamy
The parasite modifies mouse immune cells to protect them from developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Future therapies that mimic these effects in humans may prevent such conditions.
Strange as it may sound, researchers have found that parasitic infections in humans and other animals are associated with reduced incidence of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. I knew it ten years ago.
